Diagnostic value of bronchial washing in a case of primary pulmonary non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

A case of primary pulmonary non-Hodgkin lymphoma is presented. Cytologic examination of the bronchial washing was the first diagnostic procedure able to identify malignant lymphoma cells. Bronchoscopic biopsy, on the contrary, suggested the presence of a small cell carcinoma. Cytodiagnosis was then confirmed by open lung biopsy. The advantages of bronchial washing in such a rare pulmonary lesion are discussed.